Dinner was served.
When Takumi Yuuya lifted the lids, he was momentarily taken aback by the presentation.
"The hotel's kitchen has chefs specializing in French, Italian, and Japanese cuisine," Yukino Hiyori explained. "But the best of all is the Chinese cuisine chef. Many guests come here just for the Chinese dishes."
Yuuya picked up his chopsticks and tasted a bite. After a moment, he nodded.
"Very authentic. I like it."
"The seafood on the table—the fish, shrimp, and crab—was all supplied by Yoshida Fisheries. I was planning to work with them anyway, just trying to negotiate a lower price," Hiyori added.
"That'll do," Yuuya said.
"I understand. We'll sign the contract tomorrow."
"You had Hayama take Miss Yoshida shopping—was that just to entertain her, or…"
"Hayama is popular. It's most suitable for a girl like her to be entertained by him. But I also want him to build a closer relationship with her—ideally a romantic one. That way, she becomes his network."
"His network… or yours?"
"Hayama's network is mine as well."
Hiyori smiled. Clearly, she was using Hayama—but she knew he wouldn't mind. He was willingly being used.
Yuuya looked at Hiyori.
"Poor Hayama," he muttered.
"Takumi, are you saying I'm too cruel?" Hiyori asked, tilting her head.
"You're not cruel at all. If I were in your position, I'd do the same thing."
"So that makes you… like me?"
"No. We're not alike. Hayama is your pawn. You're the player. And I'm currently just an observer."
"Are you going to play against me?" Hiyori's smile carried a hint of challenge.
Yuuya lifted his drink.
"Playing against you wouldn't be interesting. I want to teach you how to play."
"Teach me?" Hiyori blinked, surprised.
But Yuuya didn't continue the topic. Instead, he raised his glass toward Yukino. She clinked her drink against his.
Dinner ended.
Outside, night had fallen.
In front of the hotel, Yuuya let Yukino get into the car first. Once she was seated, he spoke.
"I plan to give this hotel to Little Yukino."
"W-what?" Hiyori froze.
Yuuya glanced at Yukino in the car.
"She accepted my shortcomings, agreed not to chase away the other girls, and I've decided to take our relationship to the next level."
"Takumi… you're serious? You're giving a 4-billion-yen hotel to Little Yukino?"
"I want to marry her."
"Oh, so you're testing whether Mother would accept this?"
"No. I want to tell Mrs. Yukinoshita that Little Yukino is meant to marry me, and she can't stop it."
"Takumi, if Mother gets angry, the consequences could be serious," Hiyori said earnestly.
Yuuya turned to her.
"Looks like I overestimated you," he said, and walked forward.
Hiyori watched his retreating figure in confusion.
"What does that mean? Overestimated me? Did he… just get disappointed?"
She pondered for a moment, then took out her phone and called her mother to relay Yuuya's words.
Mrs. Yukinoshita was silent for a few seconds after hearing the last sentence. Then she spoke slowly:
"Yukino, you still have a lot to learn. I wouldn't be angry at all that Takumi said such things. On the contrary, I'm pleased."
"Pleased?"
"Takumi daring to say this proves he's not afraid of the Yukinoshita family."
"You mean…"
"His influence behind him gives him confidence. That's not a bad thing for our family."
Hiyori fell silent. No wonder Yuuya said he had overestimated her.
The car stopped in the underground parking garage.
Yuuya and Yukino got out.
In the elevator, Yukino glanced at Yuuya.
"What did you say to Sister?"
"Guess."
"I can't."
"Then I'll tell you after the exam," Yuuya said with a faint smile.
"Yukino Yukinoshita favor +50"
Yukino's face turned crimson.
Soon, the elevator reached their floor. They stepped out.
Yukino opened the door and changed into slippers.
Yuuya closed the door behind her and immediately lifted her into his arms. She rested quietly against him.
They entered Yukino's bedroom, and he gently set her down.
Her cheeks were flushed, and she lay down, turning her face away to avoid looking at him.
Yuuya bent down and kissed her.
In that moment, he no longer hesitated. All doubts faded—he was following his heart.
"Yukino Yukinoshita favor +50""Yukino Yukinoshita favor +50""Yukino Yukinoshita favor +50"
The kiss lasted a long time.
When he lifted his head, he asked softly,
"Little Yukino… is this okay?"
"Mm."
Her voice was quiet, but that single answer was enough.
Yuuya no longer held back.
"Yukino Yukinoshita pleasure +100""Yukino Yukinoshita pleasure +100""Yukino Yukinoshita pleasure +100""Yukino Yukinoshita pleasure +100""Yukino Yukinoshita pleasure +100"
When they left the bathroom, both wore matching pajamas.
Yuuya held Yukino in his arms.
"You're too weak, Little Yukino," he teased.
"I… I'll get stronger," she whispered, blushing.
"Want me to get you a helper?"
"N-no… I don't need one."
She buried her face in her blush.
Yuuya pushed open the guest room door and brought her to the bed.
Yukino made room for him. When he lay down, she rested her head on his chest.
He stroked her long hair.
"I'm giving that hotel to you."
"The hotel… to me?" Yukino lifted her head, eyes wide in surprise.
Yuuya looked down at her.
"If Mrs. Yukinoshita refuses to let us be together, you can leave the family. That hotel will be enough for you to continue your life as it is now."
"I… understand."
"Tomorrow afternoon, we'll go to Mrs. Yukinoshita's villa to confirm the engagement."
"We don't have to get engaged," Yukino said after a moment.
Yuuya shook his head.
"Our agreement—I haven't fulfilled it yet. If we don't get engaged, it would be too unfair."
"The agreement no longer matters. Even if you haven't fulfilled it, I'll still marry you."
Yukino's eyes were soft and tender.